3. Term Christianity Islam
Afterlife
Christians will be with the Lord in heaven (Phil. 1:21-24), in our
resurrected bodies (1 Cor. 15:50-58). Non-Christians will be
cast into hell forever (Matt. 25:46).
There is an afterlife (75:12) experienced as either an ideal life
of Paradise (29:64), for faithful Muslims or Hell for those who
are not.
Angels
Created beings, non-human, some of which, fell into sin and
became evil. They are very powerful. The unfallen angels
carry out the will of God.
Created beings without free will that serve God. Angels were
created from light.
Atonement
The sacrifice of Christ on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24) whereby His
blood becomes the sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God
(1 John 2:2) from the sinner when the sinner receives (John
1:12), by faith (Rom. 5:1), the work of Christ on the cross.
There is no atonement work in Islam other than a sincere
confession of sin and repentance by the sinner.
Bible
The inspired and inerrant word of God in the original
manuscripts (2 Tim. 3:16).
Respected word of the prophets but the Bible has been
corrupted through the centuries and is only correct in so far as
it agrees with the Koran.
Crucifixion
The place where Jesus atoned for the sins of the world. It is
only through this sacrifice that anyone can be saved from the
wrath of God (1 Pet. 2:24).
Jesus did not die on the cross. Instead, God allowed Judas to
look like Jesus and he was crucified instead.
Devil
A fallen Angel who opposes God in all ways. He also seeks to
destroy humanity (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:13-15).
Iblis, a fallen jinn. Jinn are not angels nor men, but created
beings with free wills. Jinn were created from fire, (2:268;
114:1-6).
God
God is a trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The
Trinity is not three gods in one god, nor is it one person who
took three forms. Trinitarianism is strictly monotheistic. There
is no other God in existence.
God is known as Allah. Allah is one person, a strict unity.
There is no other God in existence. He is the creator of the
universe (3:191), sovereign over all (6:61-62).
Heaven (Paradise)
The place where God dwells. Heaven is the eventual home of
the Christians who are saved by God's grace. It is heaven
because it is where God is and Christians will enjoy eternal
Fellowship with Him.
Paradise to Muslims, a place of unimaginable bliss (32:17), a
garden with trees and food (13:35;15:45-48) where the
desires of faithful Muslims are met, (3:133; 9:38; 13:35;
39:34; 43:71; 53:13-15).
Hell
A place of torment in fire out of the presence of God. There is
no escape from Hell (Matt. 25:46).
Hell is a place of eternal punishment and torment (14:17;
25:65; 39:26), in fire (104:6-7) for those who are not
Muslims (3:131) as well as those who were and whose works
and faith were not sufficient (14:17; 25:65; 104:6-7).
Holy Spirit
Third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is fully God in
nature.
The arch-angel Gabriel who delivered the words of the Koran
to Muhammad.
Comparison grid between Christianity and Islamic doctrine
4. Term Christianity Islam
Jesus
Second person of the Trinity. He is the word who became
flesh (John 1:1, 14). He is both God and man (Col. 2:9).
A very great prophet, second only to Muhammad. Jesus is
not the son of God (9:30) and certainly is not divine (5:17,
75)) and he was not crucified (4:157).
Judgment Day
Occurs on the day of resurrection (John 12;48) where God
will judge all people. Christians go to heaven. All others to
hell (Matt. 25:46).
Occurs on the day of resurrection where God will judge all
people. Muslims go to paradise (3:142, 183-185, 198). All
others to hell (3:196-197). Judgment is based on a
person's deeds (5:9; 42:26; 8:29).
Koran, The
The work of Muhammad. It is not inspired, nor is it
scripture. There is no verification for its accurate
transmission from the originals.
The final revelation of God to all of mankind given through
the archangel Gabriel to Muhammad over a 23 year period.
It is without error and guarded from error by Allah.
Man
Made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). This does not mean
that God has a body, but that man is made like God in
abilities (reason, faith, love, etc.).
Not made in the image of God (42:11). Man is made out of
the dust of the earth (23:12) and Allah breathed life into
man (32:9; 15:29).
Muhammad
A non-inspired man born in 570 in Mecca who started the
Islamic religion.
The last and greatest of all prophets of Allah whose Qur'an
is the greatest of all inspired books.
Original Sin
This is a term used to describe the effect of Adam's sin on his
descendants (Rom. 5:12-23). Specifically, it is our inheritance
of a sinful nature from Adam. The sinful nature originated
with Adam and is passed down from parent to child. We are
by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).
There is no original sin. All people are sinless until they
rebel against God. They do not have sinful natures.
Resurrection
Bodily resurrection of all people, non-Christians to damnation
and Christians are resurrected to eternal life (1 Cor. 15:50-
58).
Bodily resurrection, some to heaven, some to hell (3:77;
15:25;75:36-40; 22:6).
Salvation
A free gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9) to the person who trusts in
Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. He is our mediator (1
Tim. 2:5). No works are sufficient in any way to merit
salvation since our works are all unacceptable to God (Isaiah
64:6).
Forgiveness of sins is obtained by Allah's grace without a
mediator. The Muslim must believe Allah exists, believe in
the fundamental doctrines of Islam, believe that Muhammad
is his prophet, and follow the commands of Allah given in
the Koran.
Son of God
A term used to designate that Jesus is divine though he is not
the literal son of God in a physical sense (John 5:18).
A literal son of God. Therefore, Jesus cannot be the son of
Allah.
Word, The
"In the beginning was the word and the word was with God
and the word was God...and the word became flesh and dwelt
among us..." (John 1:1, 14).
Allah's command of existence which resulted in Jesus being
formed in the womb of Mary.
Comparison grid between Christianity and Islamic doctrine)
5. ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:
Contrasting WorldviewsContrasting Worldviews
Muhammad put hisMuhammad put his
enemies to the sword andenemies to the sword and
confiscated their propertyconfiscated their property
and wives; commandedand wives; commanded
his followers to fight forhis followers to fight for
their faith; taught thattheir faith; taught that
those who died in battlethose who died in battle
would enter paradise; andwould enter paradise; and
died a natural death afterdied a natural death after
consolidating his powerconsolidating his power
and wealth.and wealth.
Jesus told his disciples toJesus told his disciples to
“put away the sword”“put away the sword” (John(John
18:11)18:11); healed the one; healed the one
wound inflicted by hiswound inflicted by his
followersfollowers (Luke 22:51)(Luke 22:51);;
allowed his enemies toallowed his enemies to
take his lifetake his life (1 Peter 2:21-(1 Peter 2:21-
24)24); and prayed from the; and prayed from the
cross for those who werecross for those who were
executing himexecuting him (Luke 23:34.)(Luke 23:34.)
6. THE FIVE PILLARS OF
ISLAM
Shahadah: “There is no god but Allah, and
Muhammad is his prophet”
Salah: Turning to Mecca to pray 5 times a day
Sawm: Fasting during daylight hours through the
month of Ramadan
Zakat: Setting aside 2.5% of income to benefit the
Muslim community
Hajj: A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca
7. ContrastingContrasting WorldviewsWorldviews
Shortly after the end of the Cold War, SamuelShortly after the end of the Cold War, Samuel
Huntington, professor of government atHuntington, professor of government at
Harvard, predicted that in the future seriousHarvard, predicted that in the future serious
competition would lessen between nation-competition would lessen between nation-
states or political ideologies.states or political ideologies.
Instead, Huntington predicted an era of growingInstead, Huntington predicted an era of growing
competition betweencompetition between civilizationscivilizations: i.e.,: i.e.,
religion, ethnicity, and cultural values.religion, ethnicity, and cultural values.
8. WOMEN & ISLAMWOMEN & ISLAM
A man may divorce hisA man may divorce his
wife by repeating “Iwife by repeating “I
divorce you” 3 times.divorce you” 3 times.
In court, a woman’sIn court, a woman’s
testimony is worth onlytestimony is worth only
half that of a man andhalf that of a man and
her inheritance rightsher inheritance rights
are lesser.are lesser.
The United NationsThe United Nations
has condemned thehas condemned the
Taliban in AfghanistanTaliban in Afghanistan
for their brutalfor their brutal
treatment of women.treatment of women.
9. WOMEN & ISLAMWOMEN & ISLAM
The Quran teaches:The Quran teaches:
“Righteous women are“Righteous women are
therefore obedient,therefore obedient,
guarding the secret forguarding the secret for
God’s guarding. And thoseGod’s guarding. And those
you fear may be rebelliousyou fear may be rebellious
admonish; banish them toadmonish; banish them to
their couches, andtheir couches, and beatbeat
themthem” (Surah 4:35)” (Surah 4:35)
10. WOMEN & CHRISTIANITYWOMEN & CHRISTIANITY
The Bible teaches: That
Man is completed with
Women – Genesis 2:18-24
She is a help mate (vs.18)
She is part of man (vs.20-21)
Math does not add up:
1 1 2 but 1 (vs. 23-24)
11. WOMEN & CHRISTIANITYWOMEN & CHRISTIANITY
The Bible teaches: That
Man is completed with
Women: Proverbs 31:10-31
“Who can find a capable wife?” (vs. 10)
Her husband trust her. (vs. 13-15)
Is able to think on her own (vs. 16-18)
Is able to work hard for all her family
needs. (vs. 19-22a)
Her husband is blessed by her works.
(vs. 22b-25)
She feels bless and is with all she finds
herself doing; and Her month is full of
blessings and her kids say so too. (vs.
26-31)
12. PSALMSPSALMS - "We have sent thee- "We have sent thee
inspiration, as We sent it to Noah andinspiration, as We sent it to Noah and
the Messengers after him: we sentthe Messengers after him: we sent
inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac,inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac,
Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job,Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job,
Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, andJonah, Aaron, and solomon, and toto
David We gave the PsalmsDavid We gave the Psalms," (4:163).," (4:163).
GOSPELGOSPEL - "It is He Who sent down to- "It is He Who sent down to
thee (step by step), in truth, the Book,thee (step by step), in truth, the Book,
confirming what went before it; andconfirming what went before it; and HeHe
sent down the Law (of Moses) and thesent down the Law (of Moses) and the
Gospel (of Jesus)Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guidebefore this, as a guide
to mankind, and He sent down theto mankind, and He sent down the
criterion (of judgment between rightcriterion (of judgment between right
and wrong)," (3:3).and wrong)," (3:3).
Also, "And in their footsteps We sentAlso, "And in their footsteps We sent
Jesus the son of Mary, confirming theJesus the son of Mary, confirming the
Law that had come before him:Law that had come before him: We sentWe sent
him the Gospelhim the Gospel: therein was guidance: therein was guidance
and lightand light
13. ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:
Contrasting WorldviewsContrasting Worldviews
Islam began with aIslam began with a
brief period ofbrief period of
persecution andpersecution and
quickly becamequickly became
powerful.powerful.
Muhammad claimedMuhammad claimed
to be a prophet ofto be a prophet of
the one true God.the one true God.
Muhammad amassedMuhammad amassed
political power andpolitical power and
created an earthlycreated an earthly
kingdom.kingdom.
Christianity began as aChristianity began as a
persecuted minority andpersecuted minority and
flourished in spite offlourished in spite of
continued persecution.continued persecution.
Jesus claimed to be theJesus claimed to be the
Son of the one true God.Son of the one true God.
Jesus resisted theJesus resisted the
temptation of Satan totemptation of Satan to
reign over an earthlyreign over an earthly
kingdomkingdom (Matthew 4:8-10,(Matthew 4:8-10,
John 18:36-37).John 18:36-37).
14. ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:ISLAM & CHRISTIANTY:
Contrasting WorldviewsContrasting Worldviews
The “story” of Christianity makes an explicitThe “story” of Christianity makes an explicit
distinction between the temporal and the spiritual;distinction between the temporal and the spiritual;
the “story” of Islam is one of an all-encompassingthe “story” of Islam is one of an all-encompassing
system of religious, political, and military power.system of religious, political, and military power.
It is true that Muslims may be “peaceful” when aIt is true that Muslims may be “peaceful” when a
minority in a strong democratic nation. When theyminority in a strong democratic nation. When they
hold the reins of temporal power in an Islamichold the reins of temporal power in an Islamic
state, however, it is often a different reality forstate, however, it is often a different reality for
non-Muslims.non-Muslims.
15. What is Islam?
• Islam
(“submission”) is
the religion of all
who believe that
Muhammad was
God’s prophet.
16. Theology
• Monotheism
• Shirk (Idolatry)
No other God’s
• Allah was the supreme god of
polytheism in that area.
• In Arabia the sun god was viewed as female, the
moon as male. The moon god was referred to
as Allah
17. Anthropology
• Adam was the first man, created in
heaven and removed after he sinned
• Mankind was created innocent but chose
to sin
– Mankind is misled but not fallen
– We are inherently weak, frail, and imperfect.
We are vague of God.
18. Qur’ an
• Dependence on the Jewish Talmud,
Jewish apocrypha, Christian apocrypha,
and Zoroastrian doctrines
• Borrows important practices from pre-
Islamic and pagan Arabia such as those
surrounding the visits to the hills of Safa
and Marwas in the hajj ceremony, and
also the throwing of stones against a
stone pillar symbolizing Satan
20. Salvation
• Good works consist of
the five/six pillars:
– Reciting the
confession (shahada)
– Prayer
– Fasting
– Almsgiving
– Pilgrimage to Mecca
– Jihad
21. Final Things
• This life is a preparation for the next
• Every person will taste death
• Two angels will question the dead in the
grave (Munkar and Nakir)
• Unbelievers will be tormented in the grave
and after the final resurrection
• The “Final Hour” will be preceded by
disintegration of nature and universal sin
22. ResourcesResources
WebsitesWebsites
– www.answering–islam.orgwww.answering–islam.org
– www.rim.orgwww.rim.org
– www.probe.orgwww.probe.org
BooksBooks
– Answering Islam: The Crescent In The Light Of TheAnswering Islam: The Crescent In The Light Of The
CrossCross, Norman Geisler & Abdul Saleeb, Norman Geisler & Abdul Saleeb
– Islam RevealedIslam Revealed, Dr. Anis A. Shorrosh, Dr. Anis A. Shorrosh
– The Islamic Invasion: Confronting the World’s FastestThe Islamic Invasion: Confronting the World’s Fastest
Growing ReligionGrowing Religion, Robert Morey, Robert Morey
– The Oxford History of IslamThe Oxford History of Islam, Ed. John L. Esposito, Ed. John L. Esposito
23. ResourcesResources
Bible, Holman Christian Study. (Apologetics Study Bible) Holman Christian
Study Bible (HCSB). Nasville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
En, Diff. Comare Anything. 10 July 2013. 10 July 2013.
<http://www.diffen.com/difference/Christianity_vs_Islam>.
Fleming, Marrianne and David Worden. Thinking About God and Morality.
Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers, 2005.
Helm, Paul. "Ancient Origins: Philosophy of Religion." 10 July 2013.
Encyclopædia Britannica. 10 July 2013.
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/497132/philosophy-of-religion>.
McDermott, Gerald R. "First Thing." 04 June 2013. www.firstthings.com. 14
July 2013. <http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/06/no-the-god-of-
the-qurrsquoan-is-not-the-god-of-the-bible>.
Rieber, Ney. Islam Does Not Mean Peace. 10 July 2013. 10 July 2013.
<http://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-kills-not-peaceful.htm>.
Unknown. 00 July 2013. Anwsering Islam (A Christian-Dialog). Website. 17
July 2013. <http://www.answering-islam.org/>.
24. Activity Exemplary Good Satisfactory Fair Poor
Research &
Note-taking on
Storyboard
(10 points possible)
Storyboard indicates accurate research
& planning from 4+ varied information
sources on 20 (±2) slides.
9-10 points
Storyboard indicates research and
planning from 4 varied information
sources on 20 (±2) slides.
8 points
Storyboard is filled out with important
points from adequate sources on 20
(±2) slides.
7 points
2 or fewer (very similar) information
sources used as key sources.
Storyboard is incomplete and less than
18 slides in presentation.
5-6 points
Storyboard is incomplete and
inadequate.
0-4 points
Introduction
(10 points possible)
Gives overall topic and draws in the
audience.
9-10 points
Introduction relates to the topic and is
clear.
8 points
Introduction indicates some relationship
to the topic but the connection is
vague.
7 points
Introduction indicates little relationship
to the topic and the connection is
vague.
5-6 points
Introduction does not provide a brief
overview to the subject.
0-4 points
Content
(40 points possible)
A biblically-based WV presented with
all 4 key questions addressed using
robust and accurate
information/references.
An alternative WV presented with all 4
key questions addressed and
supported using robust & accurate
information/references.
2 or more external scholarly sources
utilized for each WV presented.
Clear and concise biblical and textbook
referencing used to support both WVs
36-40 points
A biblically-based WV presented with
all 4 key questions addressed using
information/references that are
appropriate.
An alternative WV presented with 4 key
questions addressed and supported
using appropriate
information/references.
2 or more external scholarly sources
utilized for one but not both WVs.
Biblical and textbook referencing used
but with some proof-texting applied.
32-35 points
A biblically-based WV presented with
less than 4 key questions addressed
using information/references that are
adequate, missing key points of
information.
An alternative WV presented with less
than 4 key questions addressed using
information/references that are
adequate, missing key points of info.
1-2 external sources utilized for one but
not both WVs and/or the sources lack
scholarly content.
Biblical and textbook referencing used
but with proof-texting used extensively.
28-31 points
A biblically-based WV presented with 3
or less than key questions addressed
using information/references that are
inadequate, missing key points of
information.
An alternative WV presented with 3 or
less key questions addressed using
inadequate information/references,
missing key points of info.
0-1 external sources utilized for only
one WV and/or the sources lack
scholarly content.
Biblical and textbook referencing
minimally used and is taken out of
context, is confusing, or distracting
from presentation content.
24-27 points
A WV presented lacking answers to the
4 key questions with
information/references that are
inadequate or superficial at best.
No alternative WV presented (or
presented with gaping holes in
information/references that fail to
address key points of info).
External sources are non-existent
and/or are from public media sources
only.
Biblical and textbook referencing non-
existent.
0-23 points
Text Elements
(10 points possible)
No more than 2 fonts are used. Text
does not overwhelm the slide.
Background is exceptionally attractive
and appealing to audience.
9-10 points
No more than 2 fonts are used. Text
does not overwhelm the slide.
Background is attractive and appealing
to audience.
8 points
Most fonts easy to read, but
occasionally font style, italics, long
paragraphs, color or busy backgrounds
detract from readability and appeal to
audience.
7 points
Busy background, lack of use of
bullets/indents, poor color contrasting,
more than 2 font styles used.
Less than appealing to audience.
5-6 points
Ineffective use of background,
bullets/indents, color contrasting, fonts,
etc. Distracting to audience.
0-4 points
Graphics,
Sound and/or
Animations
(10 points possible)
Enhance the presentation, highlighting
the audience’s understanding of the
ideas. Graphics and text are
synchronized, creating a pleasurable
experience for the audience.
9-10 points
Assist in highlighting the audience’s
understanding of the ideas. Graphics
and text are somewhat synchronized,
creating a positive experience for the
audience.
8 points
Visually depict topic and assist the
audience’s understanding of the ideas.
Images are proper size & resolution.
Images/text do not cross over.
7 points
Graphics and text appear to be
somewhat unrelated to content.
Animations cross over each other.
Moderately distracting, busy, and
detract from presentation.
5-6 points
Graphics and text appear to be largely
unrelated to content.
Animations cross over each other.
Considerably distracting, busy, and
detract from presentation.
0-4 points
Writing
Mechanics
(10 points possible)
The text is written with no errors in
grammar, capitalization, punctuation,
and spelling.
9-10 points
The text is clearly written with little or
no editing required for grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
8 points
Several errors in spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, and
grammar repeatedly occur with editing
and revision required.
7 points
Numerous errors in spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, and
grammar repeatedly occur with editing
and revision required.
5-6 points
Profuse errors in spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, and
grammar requiring complete rewriting
or revision.
0-4 points
Works Cited
(10 points possible)
A minimum of 4 resources are noted on
the last slide. Clear and accurate usage
of Turabian, APA, or MLA.
9-10 points
(Derived in part from:
http://www.rubrician.com/technology.ht
m)
All sources are noted.
There is a minimum of 4 resources
used.
Turabian, APA, or MLAused, but with
some errors.
8 points
2-3 resources are listed; only slight
difference between types of resources.
Good use of Turabian, APA, or MLA.
7 points
2-3 resources are listed; only slight
difference between types of resources.
Fair to poor use of Turabian, APA, or
MLA.
5-6 points
0-2 resources listed with only slight to
no difference between types of
resources. Improper use of Turabian,
APA, or MLA.
0-4 points
Notas del editor
*= Derived from Sire’s text, pp. 245-277
Bible, Holman Christian Study. (Apologetics Study Bible) Holman Christian Study Bible
http://www.carm.org/islam/grid.htm )
http://www.carm.org/islam/grid.htm
Samuel Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations.
Muhammad was given a “special revelation” to have some 13 wives (other Muslim men can have only 4)
His favorite wife was Aisha: she was six when they were engaged, and nine when the marriage was consummated
The Koran requires women to remain veiled (33:59) and to remain strictly segregated from male society.
Woman is to be seen “as Satan” when a man is sexually tempted. One of the traditions of Muhammad is that the majority of people going to hell are women.
“Al Lah” means the Divinity in Arabic; it is a single God, in fact for Muslims it is the God of Moses and Jesus. P. 14
“Arab Christians use the word Allah for God.”
Pre Islamic Arabs acknowledged Allah’s existence as the supreme God. Muhammad’s own father carried the name Abd-Allah, slave of God. Allah was the chief of the pagan gods. Centuries before Muhammad the Arabian Kaaba, or temple at Mecca, was called Beit-Allah, the house of God, and not Beit-el-Aliher, the house of idols or gods. P. 16.
Muhammad’s message was the absolute unity and sovereignty of God. Placing other gods as his partner or equal is an unforgivable sin. (shirk)
Seemingly contradictory actions of God are not problematic. The divine will is an ultimate beyond which neither reason nor revelation can go. “So God is the One Who leads astray, as well as the One Who guides...
“If you love God, follow me, and God will love you and forgive your sins.” However, “God does not love the unbelievers.” 3:32
God is the Sovereign Monarch, man is the slave. Only Sufism seems to develop the notion of an intimate relationship with God. The notion of experiencing God or having an experience of God is a foreign notion. This has created a tension between God’s sovereignty and the notion of free will. Free will lost out.
Alfred Guillaume writes “The customs of heathenism have left an indelible mark on Islam, notably in the rites of the pilgrimage.” (Robert Morey, 43)
Augustus Strong adds that Islam “is heathenism in monotheistic form.” (Morey, 43)
Dr. Arthur Jeffery: The name Allah, as the Qur’an itself is witness, was well known in pre-Islamic Arabia. Indeed, both it and its feminine form, Allat, are found not infrequently among the theophorous names in inscription from North Africa. It is a pure, Arabic name and it corresponds to the Babylonian Bel.
In Arabia the sun god was viewed as female, the moon as male. The moon god was referred to as Allah.
Adam
Was the first man (15:26, 32:9)
He was created in heaven and expelled after the fall. Eve’s creation is not mentioned in the Qur’an. God gave man knowledge, will, and power of action. The angels were made to bow down to Adam (Satan refused).
Sin
Man was created innocent and free but chose to sin. In 7:12-18 Satan refuses to bow down to Adam resulting in an ongoing antagonism.
Man is misled but not fallen in a Biblical sense (7:20-25)
Adams sin was a single slip up that was forgiven by God. We are not born sinners.
Man born in state of purity (30:30)
Adam was the victim of forgetfulness not intentionality (Ajijola).
Adam is considered the first prophet. Prophets are considered to be either sinless or protected from committing major sins.
Humans are intrinsically weak, frail, and imperfect. We are forgetful of God.
This is complicated by the language used in the Qur’an regarding humanity.
“If God were to punish Men for their wrongdoing, He would not leave, on the (earth), A single living creature.” (16:61)
All people are born true Muslims, their parents corrupt them.
Muslims seek to avoid big sins, not to be perfect or holy as God is Holy.
Mankind in early Islam was God’s slave, more recently seen as God’s steward.
Man is not to know God and be conformed to His character, but to understand His will and become more obedient.
This life is preparation for the next. We must be constantly reminded of God’s laws.
The Qur’an is slightly shorter than the NT. Divided into 114 chapters or suras. 86 chapters came to Muhammad during the Meccan period and 28 at Medina. They are not in chronological order.
We do not have the original Uthmanic Codex. The oldest test of the Qur’an still extant dates from the second century after the Hijrah and is compiled on vellum in the early al-mail Arabic script. Sir Norman Anderson states, “So, although it is true that today the Kufan text of Hafs is accepted almost everywhere in the Muslim world, the claim commonly made by Muslims that they have the ipsissima verba of what Muhammad actually said, without any variant readings, rests upon an ignorance of the facts of history.” (Geisler, p. 303)
A year after Muhammad’s death a number of those who had memorized the Qur’an lost their lives in battle (battle of Yamamah, 633 A.D.). Zayd writes, “during the lifetime of the prophet the Qur’an had all been written down, but it was not united in one place nor arrange in successive order.” (Geisler, 90)
Umar (second caliph) told Abu Bakr to order that the Qur’an be collected. This was recorded by Al Bukhari (d. 870) one of the most trusted traditionalists in Islam.
A crisis occurred later when different groups of Muslims were using different versions of the Qur’an. Uthman, the third caliph ordered Zayd to create a revised version in the dialect of the Quraish and have them sent to the major centers of Islam. Old copies were collected and burned.
Good works must be performed following minute detail. God’s mercy is involved in granting more benefit than is due for doing good works and charging only the amount due for doing evil.
Belief in the prophet Muhammad includes:
He was the last prophet
Every other prophet was sent to one group, Muhammad was sent to the world.
Belief in the oneness of God and the prophet Muhammad is known as the Shahada or confession of faith.
Life after death is a physical life.
Consists of both belief (iman) and action (amal).
Belief consists of:
Believe in the oneness of God
Believe in the prophecy of Muhammad
Believe in angels
Accept the Qur’an
Believe in life after death
Believe that God decrees everything
Unbelievers who answer incorrectly will be beaten with iron hammers and have a window to the hell fires opened to his grave.
Even believers (Muslims) will “with few exceptions undergo some kind of torment, slight or heavy, dependent upon the particular configuration of his or her deen (religion or faith) while on earth.” (Al-Ghazzali)
There are conflicting Hadith regarding the activities of the dead during this intermediate period. Some talk of a deep sleep, others describe a very active time of full consciousness. Although the Qur’an says that the dead cannot hear the living (27:80), other traditions indicate that the dead hear quit well. According to one hadith the prophet affirmed that the dead speak and even visit each other. Another says that Muhammad taught that “Any man who visits the grave of his brother and sits near it will make his brother feel happy and less lonely. The deceased will respond to his brother, although the latter will not be able to hear or respond.”
Others talk about the spirit circling around his house to observe how his belongings are handled.
Al-Ghazzali taught that there are four spirits, some wander around the earth, some God allows to sleep, martyrs remain in the grave for a few months and then are flown to the Garden. Spirits of the prophets and saints are given free choice to do what they please.
Modern Muslims usually decline to speculate about the afterlife. It is the fact of the day of judgment that they focus on.
Some spiritualize the data, others see it as literal.
Final Hour
Bukhari writes that the number of males will decrease whereas females will increase till there will be only one male to look after fifty women.
A tradition given by Al-Muslim says the prophet gave the following comment about the final hour:
“Thereupon he said: It will not come until you see ten signs. And (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke; the Dajjal [often called anti-Christ]; the beast; the rising of the sun from the west; the descent of Jesus, son of Mary; the Gog and Magog; and land-slidings in three places, one in the east, one in the west, and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly.” (Geisler, 113)
To many Muslims commentators, the most important sign of the closeness of the hour is the coming of Christ, his destruction of the false Messiah, and establishment of peace and righteousness on earth. (Geisler, 113)
The anti-Christ is portrayed as blind in one eye, with the word Kafir (unbeliever) written on his forehead. His primary function is to mislead the unbelieving masses by claiming divinity and the power to perform miracles. Jesus will descend to rule in justice and peace, break the cross and kill the pigs and there will be no jizya (taxation of non-Muslims). Shi’ites believe a divinely-guided Mahdi (twelfth Imam) will reappear instead.